Luther darted his eyes around his father's office. It was almost the same as last year's leaving a few items. The computer was the latest model of the Base, the best computer from the top company in the industry.They were pricey and only rich people could buy them. But, it was worth the price because of its unbelievable features.
The chair he sat on was also new—a blend of comfort and cyberpunk design, featuring a frame with cushioned seats embedded with luminescent circuitry.
The table was the same, a masterpiece, constructed from a blend of carbon fibre and brushed steel, its surface embedded with a translucent display that projects holographic schematics or real-time information at the owner's command.
Bookshelves were a fusion of artistry and functionality. They display holographic book covers that change with a swipe, accessing a digital library of knowledge and entertainment. Some shelves hold physical tomes, vintage relics amidst the futuristic setting, their worn spines telling tales of a past era.
The ambient lighting fluctuated, casting a mix of neon glows and subtle, pulsating LED hues that danced across the room. The walls are adorned with dynamic digital art displays, constantly shifting and morphing in sync with the owner's mood or the ambient soundscape.
Outside the panoramic windows, the cityscape sprawls, a tapestry of towering megastructures and cascading digital billboards.
Besides the Base computer, a notebook and pen were placed neatly along with a glass of water that looked out of place. Luther felt his throat become dry as he felt thirsty. He walked over to the table and picked up the glass of water. Looking closely at the glass, the colour of the water seemed paler than normal. But that was normal with water so he didn't think anything was odd. He gulped the water in a single sip feeling completely refreshed.
As Luther placed the glass on the table, the office door opened and Hrithik Rawat, father of Luther Ekstrom Rawat entered.
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Sakura was still working on the important work. It may have been because of total concentration but when she looked up startled by the sudden noise of the office door, her boss had already entered the office.
Her expression immediately ugly, "Eeeee, Hrithik Sir doesn't know about Luther. He is going to freak out after seeing his son. The renowned scientist popular throughout Genesis City was praised for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of gene manipulation and known to fear one harboured a singular fear, talking to his children."
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For Hrithik Rawat, the day was mundane just like the others although today was supposed to be his birthday. He didn't give a second thought about it and didn't care about birthdays. But, then he suddenly remembered his two children Luther and Amara. "They also have birthdays, don't they? How must they feel on their birthday without their father?" Hrithik felt a big void inside him that would perhaps always be empty. As soon he thought about all of this, he shook his head putting all his feelings at the back of his mind. Thinking about all of it would only make him sadder. He had to stop his thoughts before he felt too bad.
But, as he opened his office door, a boy was standing next to the table with his back to him. He appeared a few inches taller than him with a straight back but uncared hair. The boy turned towards him and his breathing stopped as his eyes widened in shock. "Luther !!!"
He felt frozen in place as the words stuck in his throat. He was scared of facing his children after everything that had happened but he was happy to see Luther also. However, his mouth wouldn't open as much as he tried because he couldn't come up with the right words to speak. He prided himself on his ability in public speaking, chatting with a charismatic flair that made people listen to him—a successful scientist. Something rare but the same man wasn't able to talk to his son. He felt ashamed of himself.
"Hello, Father. How have you been this past year?"
Hrithik looked at Luther as he managed to say, "The usual. Nothing has changed in a year." Unable to face his kids, Hrithik switched to his business mode, though he remained dazed.
Hrithik sat at his desk and motioned for Luther to join him.
"So, Luther, what about you? How was your year?"
"Mine, it was very good. I enjoyed it. Playing games is..." Luther shook his head, stopping himself, as he inwardly thought, "Father isn't interested in listening to my gaming rants." He must be very tight on time. I am already lucky to get some time to talk with him."
"What happened? Weren't you saying something?"
"Happy birthday to you, father. I came to tell this."
"Thank you, Luther."
"And" Luther pushed the item towards Hrithik " this is my gift to you, for your birthday."
Hrithik's eyes blinked in surprise. This was a first, Luther had never gifted him anything on his birthday. He always stopped by his office, talked to him for a few minutes and then left. They would again meet only after a year on his next birthday.
"Father is one of the most influential and rich people in Genesis City. Anything you desire could be yours in a snap. It's a gadget I've painstakingly developed over the years, and it's something you won't find anywhere else. Another reason for coming to your office was to present my gadget to you in hopes of getting funding for mass production."